Smarter Skin Care for Seniors
According to Homecaremag, Oct,2016:
Why choosing hospital-based products is an absolute must
Why choosing hospital-based products is an absolute must
It is no surprise that the incidence of many chronic diseases continues to steadily rise. After all, the average lifespan is increasing, and an estimated 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day. Paired with skyrocketing rates of obesity, chronic diseases—such as cancer, venous disease and diabetes—account for approximately 75 percent of annual health care costs in the United States.
With the rise of chronic diseases also comes largely unavoidable chronic conditions and complications of the skin. Though these conditions and complications are often adequately addressed in hospital settings, treatment hasn’t quite translated into homecare settings. At least 1 million seniors over the age of 65 are living at home permanently, and millions more are cared for at home due to a temporary illness or injury. It is critical that proper and consistent skin care be available in the home setting to prevent readmissions into health care facilities.
Maintaining Your Skin and Your Well-Being
It is estimated at least 70 percent of seniors have at least one skin issue, yet general skin care is often overlooked. Evidence suggests that many seniors under-report skin problems, most likely because they perceive skin deterioration as an inevitable process of aging, and they may not realize that help is available through proper skin care. Maintaining the health of skin—both in hospital and home settings—is critical for a senior’s overall well-being.
As skin ages, it becomes less capable of performing its function as a barrier, and skin breakdown becomes an increasing risk with a negative impact on quality of life. Aging skin is generally more fragile, and can be associated with undesirable skin issues—including senile purpura (fragile skin bruising), xerosis (dry skin) and pruritus (itching)—that can lead to scratching, infections and serious wounds.
Through the aging process, skin also loses 20 percent of its thickness. The subcutaneous layer (located beneath the dermis) becomes thinner, resulting in a lack of cushioning and insulation, which makes seniors more vulnerable to bruising, skin tears and the development of pressure ulcers. As people age, the effectiveness of the skin’s natural antioxidant system is also diminished. Oxidative stress occurs when antioxidants and the skin’s natural defense system are overwhelmed, resulting in damage to DNA, protein and the overall cell as well as inflammation. Hospital-based skin care products containing antioxidants that activate the skin’s natural defense system can help protect skin from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Comments
Post a Comment